Young Guns

Young Guns

The latest AARP Magazine has an interesting article called "Playing on a TV Near You," with the lead line that "Video games aren't just for teens - and they might even be good for you."

So many of you have remarked that I rock because I play games and all sorts of similar comments that indicate you think I am somehow a unique phenomenon. Sorry, gang, but I'm not. What I AM is just a lot more willing to admit my obsession. Most of the others keep a slightly lower profile, something that has been impossible for me to maintain all my life! When I sweep in to a room everybody knows I'm there, because if they can't see me, they can most definitely HEAR me!!!!

Anyway, I have excerpted some of the tidbits from this article to share with you:

" ... Yes, it's possible to be both game-obsessed and past puberty. The average videogame player is 30, and 19 percent are 50 or older, up from 9 percent in 1999. And online, women over 40 rule, spending more hours playing games than even geeky teenage boys do, according to research from Digital Marketing Services. 'Casual games' like puzzles and card games are the big draws for this group, who play for the social interaction and to relieve stress.

Companies are even designing equipment for older joints. KY Enterprises, for example, offers joystick devices that can be used by a player's arm, foot, or mouth. (you breathe in and out of a tube to control the action on the screen). 'We get inquiries from grandparents who want to play games with their grandkids, and these adaptive controllers can help' ... video games may even boost your health. A 2002 Harvard University report noted significant increases in reaction time for people over 60 who play video games. Playing games also helps keep your cognitive skills sharp.

... But what really excites the video game industry is that younger players may keep playing as they age: 53 percent of active games expect to play the same amount or more 10 years from now. 'Video game graphics, sound, story line, and characters are only becoming more compelling. I think people will continue to play into their 50s and perhaps beyond,' says Doug Lowenstein, president of the Entertainment Software Association...."

Haven't I told several of you that you, too, will get old someday and it will be natural for you to continue playing? Those stats above are what amazed me. The geeky teenagers (sorry, it was THEIR quote, not mine) are not the norm at all, since it says the average player is over 30. To have almost one-fifth of the players over 50 is incredible! Thus, while I may be special just because I'm ME, I am not unique at all.

The article also provided a link to their list of best video games for grownups. Click here to see the entire list. I have to confess that I have not played a single one of the games they listed. I much prefer hacking and slashing or adventuring, or being scared spitless. Hmmmm....